Interactive Expense Category Guide
Explore different expense categories to understand deductibility and VAT recovery rules.
Office & Equipment
Tax Deductibility
VAT Recovery
Important Notes
Fully deductible for business use. VAT recoverable if registered.
Common Examples
- •Office rent
- •Computer equipment
- •Software subscriptions
- •Office furniture
- •Stationery
Irish Mileage & Travel Allowances (2025)
Current Revenue-approved rates for business travel and subsistence.
Motor Travel Allowances
Car/Van Mileage Rates
Calculation Example
Annual business mileage: 10,000km
First 6,437km: 6,437 × €0.3756 = €2,418
Remaining 3,563km: 3,563 × €0.2113 = €753
Total allowance: €3,171
Subsistence Allowances
Domestic Day Rate
Over 5 hours away from normal workplace
Domestic Overnight
Overnight stay in Ireland
Foreign Travel
Country-specific rates apply
Expense Record Keeping Requirements
Essential documentation and record-keeping requirements for Irish businesses.
Required Documentation
VAT Invoices
- • Supplier VAT number
- • Invoice date and number
- • VAT amount clearly shown
- • Business name and address
Receipt Requirements
- • Original receipts preferred
- • Clear date and amount
- • Business purpose documented
- • Digital copies acceptable
Travel Records
- • Mileage logs with dates
- • Start/end destinations
- • Business purpose
- • Odometer readings
Digital Record Keeping
Mobile Apps
- • Photo receipts immediately
- • GPS tracking for mileage
- • Cloud storage backup
- • Categorize expenses
Accounting Software
- • Bank transaction import
- • Automatic categorization
- • VAT tracking
- • Report generation
Retention Period
Keep all business records for 6 years from end of relevant tax year. Digital copies must be clearly legible.
Common Expense Tracking Mistakes
Avoid these common errors that can lead to disallowed deductions or VAT issues.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing Personal & Business Expenses
Keep separate accounts and only claim legitimate business expenses. Personal portions are not deductible.
Poor Receipt Management
Missing or illegible receipts can result in disallowed deductions. Implement digital scanning systems.
Incorrect Mileage Claims
Maintain accurate mileage logs. Estimates or inflated claims can trigger Revenue audits.
Claiming Non-Deductible Items
Entertainment over 50%, fines, personal life insurance, and capital expenditure have restrictions.
VAT Recovery Errors
Only claim VAT on valid VAT invoices. Ensure supplier is VAT registered and invoice meets requirements.
Expense Tracking Best Practices
Implement these systems for efficient and compliant expense management.
Monthly Routine
Annual Review
Automate Your Expense Tracking
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